Carrying cases having adjustable compartments for use with portable electronic devices and related methods

ABSTRACT

According to various embodiments, a carrying case may be configured with an internal compartment adapted to receive a laptop computer, netbook, tablet computer, touch screen, multimedia projector, mobile telephone, and/or other portable electronic device. The dimensions of a compartment may be adapted for a specific device by moving adjustable cushions from a side spacing orientation to a base spacing orientation. According to one embodiment, a compartment may include adjustable cushions configured to be placed within the compartment in a side spacing orientation or outside the compartment in an external orientation. Additionally, a carrying case may include an instruction icon illustrating methods for using adjustable cushions within a compartment.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) ofU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/359,672 filed Jun. 29, 2010,titled “Carrying Cases Having Adjustable Compartments For Use WithPortable Computers And Related Methods,” which application isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to cases for portableelectronic devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the disclosure aredescribed, including various embodiments of the disclosure withreference to the figures, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a carryingcase including a compartment configured to receive a portable electronicdevice.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cutaway view of a compartment formed in a carryingcase including adjustable cushions positioned in a side spacingorientation.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a carrying caseincluding adjustable cushions transitioning away from a side spacingorientation.

FIG. 2C illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a carrying caseincluding adjustable cushions positioned in a base spacing orientation.

FIG. 3A illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a compartmentincluding two adjustable notched cushions positioned in a side spacingorientation.

FIG. 3B illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a compartmentincluding adjustable notched cushions transitioning away from a sidespacing orientation.

FIG. 3C illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a compartmentincluding adjustable notched cushions positioned in a base spacingorientation.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a carrying caseincluding a compartment configured to receive a portable electronicdevice.

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a compartment including adjustablecushions in a side spacing orientation.

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of a compartment including adjustableoverlapping cushions in a base spacing orientation.

FIG. 6A illustrates an embodiment of a carrying case including acompartment configured to receive a portable electronic device in aclosed configuration.

FIG. 6B illustrates an embodiment of a carrying case including acompartment configured to receive a portable electronic device in anopen configuration.

FIG. 7A illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a compartmentincluding adjustable cushions in a side spacing orientation.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cutaway view of an embodiment of a compartmentincluding adjustable cushions in an external orientation.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a portion of an embodiment of acarrying case including an instruction icon.

FIG. 8B illustrates an enlarged view of the instruction icon in FIG.15A.

In the following description, numerous specific details are provided fora thorough understanding of the various embodiments disclosed herein.The systems and methods disclosed herein can be practiced without one ormore of the specific details, or with other methods, components,materials, etc. In addition, in some cases, well-known structures,materials, or operations may not be shown or described in detail inorder to avoid obscuring aspects of the disclosure. Furthermore, thedescribed features, structures, or characteristics may be combined inany suitable manner in one or more alternative embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides various embodiments of and methods forusing carrying cases configured with adjustable compartments forsecuring any of a variety of portable electronic devices. A carryingcase may be configured with an internal compartment adapted to receive alaptop computer, netbook, tablet computer, touch screens, multimediaprojectors, mobile telephones, and/or other portable electronic devices.

Portable electronic devices are available in a variety of sizes. Forexample, the diagonal measurements of many laptop computers ranges fromabout thirteen inches to about seventeen inches. Of course, laptopcomputers and other portable electronic devices are also available inlarger or smaller sizes. Accordingly, it may be desirable for acompartment of a carrying case for portable electronic devices to beadjustable so as to securely accommodate various models, sizes, and/ortypes of portable electronic devices within a given size range. Forexample, a carry case may be configured to specifically accommodatelaptop computers with diagonal screen measurement ranging from aboutfifteen inches to about 17 inches.

According to various embodiments, the cavity or compartment of acarrying case may be an integral component of the carrying case.According to alternative embodiments, the compartment may be removableand/or detachable from other portions of the carrying case.Additionally, a carrying case may be interchangeably paired withmultiple sizes and/or shapes of compartments. Accordingly, a singlecarrying case may be adapted to accommodate portable electronic devicesof varying size ranges by inserting or attaching an appropriatecompartment.

According to various embodiments, a carrying case may include one ormore straps or handles. Additionally, a carrying case may include one ormore wheels and/or telescoping handles to facilitate the transportationof a portable electronic device. According to various embodiments, acarrying case may include a closure mechanism for selectively openingand closing a compartment configured to receive a portable electronicdevice. For example, a carrying case may include one or more flaps,buttons, zippers, latches, snaps, and/or locks allowing a user toselectively insert and remove a portable electronic device from acompartment.

According to various embodiments, a compartment within a carrying casemay be configured to accommodate portable electronic devices of varyingsizes through the use of one or more cushions, pads, or strips. Thedimensions of a compartment may be adjusted through the use of cushionsconfigured to pivot from a side spacing orientation to a base spacingorientation. The adjustable cushions may be positioned in a side spacingorientation in order to reduce the internal width of the compartment, orpivoted into a base spacing orientation to expand the internal widthand/or reduce the internal height of the compartment. According tovarious embodiments, the adjustable cushions may be permanently securedat a pivot point, detachably secured at a pivot point, or unsecured atthe pivot point.

According to one embodiment, a compartment of a carrying case may bedefined by a front panel, a rear panel, a left sidewall panel, a rightsidewall panel, a base panel, and an upper panel. According to variousembodiments, the upper panel, and/or potentially a portion of one ormore other panels, may include a closure mechanism for selectivelyopening the compartment. In a side spacing orientation, a leftadjustable cushion may extend along the left sidewall panel and a rightadjustable cushion may extend along the right sidewall panel.Transitioning the adjustable cushions from a side spacing orientation toa base spacing orientation may entail pivoting the adjustable cushionsuntil they extend along the base panel of the compartment. According tovarious embodiments, the combined length of the left and right cushionsmay be equal to or less than the length of the base panel.Alternatively, the left and right cushions may overlap one another in abase spacing orientation.

According to one embodiment, a compartment may include adjustablecushions that can be placed within the compartment in a side spacingorientation or outside the compartment in an external orientation.Additionally, a carrying case and/or compartment may include aninstruction icon illustrating methods for using adjustable cushionswithin a compartment. For example, an instruction icon may includegraphical depictions of various possible orientations for left and rightadjustable cushions within a compartment. According to one specificexample, an instruction icon may depict several possible orientationsfor adjustable cushions in order for a compartment to accommodate afifteen-inch laptop, a sixteen-inch laptop, or a seventeen-inch laptop.

Throughout the disclosure, numerous examples are provided with referenceto laptop computers; however, the various embodiments of carrying casesdescribed herein may be used for or adapted for carrying any of a widevariety of portable electronic devices and/or other sensitive ordelicate equipment. For clarity, the illustrated embodiments show only asingle compartment configured to receive a portable electronic device.However, according to various embodiments, a carrying case may includemultiple compartments, each configured to receive a portable electronicdevice. Additionally, a carrying case may include any number ofadditional pockets, compartments, zippers, mesh areas, elastics, rings,hooks, latches, and/or similar items configured to accommodateadditional items, such as keys, pens, paper, folders, power cords,batteries, mobile phones, clothing, and/or the like.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “anembodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic described in connection with the embodiment is includedin at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in oneembodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout thisspecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.In particular, an “embodiment” may be a system, an article ofmanufacture (such as a computer-readable storage medium), a method,and/or a product of a process.

Throughout this specification the term “joined” may be used to describetwo or more components that are attached to one another, or the term maybe used to describe two portions of an integral component. Accordingly,the term “joined” may be used to describe two panels manufactured asdisparate components that are sewn, glued, fused, or otherwise attachedto one another; additionally, the term “joined” may be used to describetwo panels that are manufactured as a single integral component and areseparate only for ease of description. For example, a compartment may beformed wherein the bottom panel, the front panel, and the rear panel aremanufactured as a single integral component. However, throughout thedescription and claims, such a compartment may be described ascomprising a base panel joined to opposing front and rear panels alongtheir respective base edges.

In some cases, well-known features, structures or operations are notshown or described in detail. Furthermore, the described features,structures, or operations may be combined in any suitable manner in oneor more embodiments. It will also be readily understood that thecomponents of the embodiments as generally described and illustrated inthe figures herein could be arranged and designed in a wide variety ofdifferent configurations.

The embodiments of the disclosure are best understood by reference tothe drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numeralsthroughout. It will be readily understood that the components of thedisclosed embodiments, as generally described and illustrated in thefigures herein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety ofdifferent configurations. Thus, the following detailed description ofthe embodiments of the systems and methods of the disclosure is notintended to limit the scope of the disclosure, as claimed, but is merelyrepresentative of possible embodiments of the disclosure. In otherinstances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shownor described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of this disclosure. Inaddition, the steps of a method do not necessarily need to be executedin any specific order, or even sequentially, nor need the steps beexecuted only once, unless specifically stated.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a carrying case 100 including anadjustable compartment configured to receive a portable electronicdevice. Carrying case 100 may be of any suitable variety, such as ashoulder bag, backpack, briefcase, or the like. In the illustratedembodiment, carrying case 100 is of a shoulder bag variety and includesa shoulder strap 105. According to various embodiments, one or moreadditional or alternative handles or straps may be employed inconjunction with carrying case 100.

Carrying case 100 may be adapted to accommodate a laptop computer, anetbook, tablet computer, a touch screen, a multimedia projector, amobile telephone, and/or other portable electronic device. According tovarious embodiments, an internal compartment may be defined by a frontpanel 122, a rear panel 124, a left sidewall panel 126, a right sidewallpanel (not visible in FIG. 1), a base panel 130, and an upper panel 132.As illustrated, upper panel 132 may include a closure mechanism such aszipper 134 and/or flap 107. Throughout the description front panel 122,rear panel 124, left sidewall panel 126, right sidewall panel (notvisible), base panel 130, and upper panel 132 are discussed a separatecomponents forming a compartment; however, according to variousembodiments, two or more panels may actually be portions of an integralcomponent.

According to various embodiments and as illustrated, an internalcompartment may define a substantially right parallelepiped shape.However, according to various embodiments, the exact shape and/ordimensions of an internal compartment may be adapted to accommodate anyof a wide variety of portable electronic devices. For example, theinternal compartment may include a protrusion or intrusion toaccommodate a corresponding feature on a portable electronic device.

According to various embodiments, upper panel 132 may be a separatepanel or may be integrally formed as a part of the sidewall panelsand/or front and rear panels. Upper panel 132 may include one or moreclosure mechanisms for selectively opening the internal compartment,such as zipper 134, a flap 107, a latch 106, a button, a zipper, a snap,and/or a lock. Additionally, carrying case 100 may include any number ofadditional pockets, compartments, zippers, mesh areas, elastics, rings,hooks, latches, wheels, straps, handles and/or other features.

FIG. 2A illustrates a cutaway view of a compartment 200 formed in acarrying case including adjustable cushions 242 and 244 positioned in aside spacing orientation. As illustrated, a left adjustable cushion 242and a right adjustable cushion 244 may be positioned within compartment200 defined by base panel 230, left sidewall panel 226, right sidewallpanel 228, rear panel 224, upper panel 232, and a front panel (not shownin FIG. 2).

According to various embodiments, compartment 200 may be configured withan appropriate dimension and size to accommodate any of a wide varietyof portable electronic devices. For example, compartment 200 may beadapted to accommodate a laptop 210 (or other portable electronicdevice) having a width W. According to various embodiments, leftadjustable cushion 242 and right adjustable cushion 244 may be used toadjust the interior dimensions of compartment 200. In particular,adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may be oriented in a variety ofpermutations in order to accommodate portable electronic devices ofvarying widths W and/or heights.

According to various embodiments, adjustable cushions 242 and 244 maycomprise a compliant structure configured to absorb energy from animpact so as to protect a portable electronic device stored withincompartment 200. Additionally, adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may beformed of a resilient material in order to return to their originalshape after being compressed. According to various embodiments,adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may comprise any suitable compliantand/or resilient structure, such as, for example, a polymeric foammaterial.

According to some embodiments, compartment 200 may include one or moreadditional compliant and/or resilient structures adapted to reduce theinternal dimensions of compartment 200 and/or protect a secured portableelectronic device by absorbing energy during an impact.

Adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may be configured to transition from aside spacing orientation to a base spacing orientation. In a sidespacing orientation, the left 242 and right 244 adjustable cushions mayextend substantially parallel to the interior surfaces of the left 226and right 228 sidewall panels, respectively. According to variousembodiments, adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may be configured to extendalong only a portion of sidewall panels 226 and 228. For instance, anedge of each adjustable cushion 242 and 244 may terminate at or near theendpoints of zipper 234.

FIG. 2B illustrates a cutaway view of compartment 200 with adjustablecushions 242 and 244 transitioning from a side spacing orientation (seeFIG. 2A) to a base spacing orientation (see FIG. 2C). According tovarious embodiments, adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may be fixedlyattached to an internal wall of compartment 200 at an attachment region243 and 245, respectively. Adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may beconfigured to pivot about attachment regions 243 and 245 from the sidespacing orientation (FIG. 2A) to the base spacing orientation (FIG. 2C).According to alternative embodiments, an adjustable cushion may beselectively detachable, permanently attached, and/or integral withsidewall panel 226 and 228 and/or base panel 230.

Additionally, each adjustable cushion 242 and 244 may include aconnector 246 configured to function in cooperation with a connector 248on each of the left 226 and right 228 sidewall panels. For example,connector 246 locate on adjustable cushion 244 may cooperate withconnector 248 on a right sidewall panel 228 in order to selectivelyretain adjustable cushion 244 in the side spacing orientation. Anysuitable connection system may be used, such as hook and loop fasteners(e.g., Velcro®), snaps, magnets, etc. In certain embodiments, eachadjustable cushion 242 and 244 may include a tab 250 that can be readilygripped by a user when disengaging connectors 246 and 248 from eachother.

As shown in FIG. 2C, when adjustable cushions 242 and 244 are in thebase spacing orientation, they may be positioned adjacent and parallelto an interior surface of base panel 230. According to variousembodiments, adjustable cushions 242 and 244 do not overlap one anotheror contact one another when in the base spacing orientation. Forexample, in the illustrated embodiment each adjustable cushion 242 and244 defines a length slightly less than one half the width defined bybase panel 230.

In the illustrated embodiment, adjustable cushions 242 and 244 arefixedly attached to compartment 200 at a left attachment region 243 andat a right attachment region 245, respectively. Moreover in theillustrated embodiment, each attachment region 243 and 245 is at anintersection of base panel 230 and the left 226 and right 228 sidewallpanels, respectively. Any suitable mechanism may be employed to fixedlysecure adjustable cushions 242 and 244 to compartment 200. For example,in various embodiments, adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may be stitchedto compartment 200.

Compartment 200 may be configured for use with a portable computer 210having any width W. Compartment 200 may be prepared to receive portablecomputer 210 by placing both adjustable cushions 242 and 244 in the sidespacing orientation, as shown in FIG. 2A Compartment 200 may be preparedto receive a wider portable computer by placing both adjustable cushions242 and 244 in a base spacing orientation, as shown in FIG. 2C.Compartment 200 may also be prepared to receive a portable computer ofan intermediate width by placing one of adjustable cushions 242 and 244in the side spacing orientation and the other of adjustable cushions 242and 244 in the base spacing orientation.

Adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may be dimensioned in any suitablemanner to provide a relatively close fit or, in some instances, a snugfit along the side edges of portable computers having different sizes.In some embodiments, each adjustable cushion 242 and 244 issubstantially the same size and shape. For example, in some embodiments,each adjustable cushion 242 and 244 defines the same thickness such thatadjustable cushions 242 and 244 cooperate to define a substantiallyplanar surface on which a base edge of portable computer 210 can restwhen adjustable cushions 242 and 244 are in the base spacingorientation.

In certain embodiments, one or more of the front panel (122 in FIG. 1),rear panel 224, left sidewall panel 226, right sidewall panel 228, basepanel 230, and upper panel 232 may be structurally reinforced (e.g.,stiff) so as to maintain the shape and configuration of compartment 200independent of the orientation of adjustable cushions 242 and 244.Alternatively, compartment 200 may be configured to be collapsible whenadjustable cushions 242 and 244 are in one or both of the side spacingposition and the base spacing position.

According to various alternative embodiments, adjustable cushions 242and 244 may contact each other when in the base spacing orientation.Additionally, one of adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may overlap theother when in the base spacing orientation. In some embodiments,adjustable cushions 242 and 244 may be removable from compartment 200.In some embodiments, a set of connectors 246 may be provided on oppositesides of adjustable cushions 242 and 244, and base panel 230 may includea corresponding set of connectors, such that adjustable cushions 242 and244 may be selectively secured in the base spacing orientation. In otheror further embodiments, connectors 248 may be omitted from sidewallpanels 226 and 228, and corresponding connectors 246 may likewise beomitted from cushions 242 and 244. In other or further embodiments,compartment 200 may include only a single adjustable cushion 242 or 244.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate alternative embodiments of a compartment 300 of acarrying case. Many features of the embodiments illustrated in FIGS.3A-3C are similar or identical to those illustrated and described inconjunction with FIGS. 2A-2C. Accordingly, the relevant descriptions ofsimilar or identical features of FIGS. 2A-2C apply equally to thefeatures of compartment 300. Any suitable combination of the featuresand variations described with respect to compartment 200 may beapplicable to and employed with compartment 300, and vice versa. Thispattern of disclosure applies equally to further embodiments depicted insubsequent figures and described hereafter.

According to the illustrated embodiment, compartment 300 may be definedby a base panel 330, a left sidewall panel 326, a right sidewall panel328, a rear panel 324, and a front panel (not shown in FIG. 3).Compartment 300 may include a left adjustable cushion 342 configuredwith an extension 361 and a notch 365 and a right adjustable cushion 344configured with an extension 362 and a notch 364. According to variousembodiments, extension 361 of left adjustable cushion 342 corresponds tonotch 364 of right adjustable cushion 344. Likewise, extension 362 ofright adjustable cushion 344 corresponds to notch 365 of left adjustablecushion 342.

According to various embodiments, connectors 346 may be located on theextension portions 361 and 362 of left 342 and right 344 adjustablecushions. As illustrated in the cut-away view provided in FIG. 3A,connectors 346 may be configured to cooperate in conjunction withconnectors 348 (see FIG. 3B) located on internal sidewall panels 326 and328 in order to selectively secure left 342 and right 344 adjustablecushions to sidewall panels 326 and 328 in the side spacing orientation.According to various embodiments, extensions 361 and 362 may besufficiently short that they do not come into contact with upper panel332 and/or zipper 334.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B, adjustable cushions 342 and 344 may befixedly attached to an internal wall of compartment 300 at attachmentregions 343 and 345, respectively. Accordingly, adjustable cushions 342and 344 may pivotally transition from a side spacing orientation (seeFIG. 3A) to a base spacing orientation (see FIG. 3C). According toalternative embodiments, adjustable cushion 342 and 344 may beselectively detachable, permanently attached, and/or integral withsidewall panel 326 and 328 and/or base panel 330. In some embodiments,adjustable cushions 342 and 344 may include tabs 350 extending fromextensions 361 and 362 of adjustable cushions 342 and 344, respectively.Tabs 350 may assist a user in transitioning adjustable cushions 342 and344 from the base spacing orientation to the side spacing orientation,and vice versa.

As illustrated in FIG. 3B and 3C, when adjustable cushions 342 and 344are transitioning to the base spacing orientation, extension 361 may bereceived within notch 364 and extension 362 may be received within notch365. According to one embodiment, adjustable cushions 342 and 344 maycontact each other so as to define a solid (e.g., continuous) basecushion that covers or substantially covers base panel 330.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a carrying case 400 resembling thatof a brief case. According to various embodiments, carrying case 400 mayinclude a handle 407 and/or a shoulder strap 405. Carrying case 400 mayinclude any number of additional pockets, compartments, zippers, meshareas, elastics, rings, hooks, latches, and/or similar items configuredto accommodate additional items such as keys, pens, paper, folders,power cords, batteries, mobile phones, clothing, and/or the like.Additionally, carrying case 400 may include a compartment includingadjustable cushions, similar to those described in conjunction withFIGS. 1-3C and/or FIGS. 5A-5B.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate an embodiment of a compartment 500 in which aleft adjustable cushion 542, a right adjustable cushion 544, and a basecushion 571 are formed from a unitary piece of material 570. Unitarypiece of material 570 may comprise a single piece of polymeric foam ormultiple sections of polymeric foam joined together.

In some embodiments, base cushion 571 may be connected to left 542 andright 544 adjustable cushions by living hinges 572. As illustrated inFIG. 5B, when adjustable cushions 542 and 544 are in the base spacingorientation, right adjustable cushion 544 may be configured to overlapleft adjustable cushion 542. Alternatively, left adjustable cushion 542may be configured to overlap right adjustable cushion 544. According toone embodiment, adjustable cushions 542 and 544 may be shorter so thatthey do not overlap one another in the base spacing orientation.Additionally, adjustable cushions 542 and 544 may be configured to foldinward at a fold point between living hinges 572 and tabs 550. Accordingto such an embodiment, adjustable cushions 542 and 544 may be configuredto fold and thereby not contact one another when in the base spacingorientation.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate an embodiment of a carrying case 600resembling a backpack including an outer cover 680. According to variousembodiments, carrying case 600 may include a compartment 620 configuredto receive a portable electronic device, such as a laptop or a tabletdevice. As illustrated in FIG. 6B, outer cover 680, sidewall panels 634,and a top panel 624 may define a compartment 620. According to someembodiments, internal panels independent from outer cover 680 may definecompartment 620. Additionally, carrying case 600 may include a zipper632 or other closure mechanism allowing a laptop or other portableelectronic device to be selectively received and removed.

FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a compartment 700 configured to receive aportable electronic device. According to various embodiments,compartment 700 may be configured for use in a backpack style carryingcase, such as the exemplary backpack illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B.According to some embodiments, one or more of a front panel 722, a rearpanel 724, a left sidewall panel 726, a right sidewall panel 728, a basepanel 730, and an upper panel (not shown) that define compartment 700may be integral with an outer cover of a carrying case. However, in theillustrated embodiment, at least the left sidewall panel 726 and theright sidewall panel 728 are separate from an outer cover of a carryingcase, such that additional external compartments 782 and 784 (FIG. 7B)are provided between sidewall panels 726 and 728 and an outer cover.

Compartment 700 may include a left adjustable cushion 742 and a rightadjustable cushion 744 attached to compartment 700 at connection regions743 and 745, respectively. Connection regions 743 and 745 may bepositioned at the upper ends of the left sidewall panel 726 and rightsidewall panel 728, respectively. Each connection region 743 and 745 mayinclude stitching 790 by which adjustable cushions 742 and 744 arefixedly attached to sidewall panels 726 and 728, respectively.

Adjustable cushions 742 and 744 may be pivoted or rotated aboutconnection regions 743 and 745 between a side spacing orientation (FIG.7A) and an external orientation (FIG. 7B). Tabs 750 may assist a user intransitioning adjustable cushions 742 and 744 from the base spacingorientation to the side spacing orientation, and vice versa.

When in the external orientation, adjustable cushions 742 and 744 may beinserted into external compartments 782 and 784, respectively.Alternatively, in an embodiment not including external compartments 782and 784, adjustable cushions 742 and 744 may extend parallel andadjacent to exterior sidewall panels 726 and 728, respectively.According to various embodiments, adjustable cushions 742 and 744 mayinclude multiple connectors 746, so as to be selectively or temporarilyfixed in each of the side spacing and external orientations. Sidewallpanels 726 and 728 may include one or more appropriately positionedcorresponding connectors (not shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B) to interact withconnectors 746.

FIG. 8A provides a perspective view of an embodiment of a portion of acarrying case 800 including an instruction icon 810 on or near acompartment 820. According to various embodiments, an icon 810 may beincluded in any of the carrying cases and/or compartments previouslydescribed in conjunction with FIGS. 1-7B.

According to one embodiment, instruction icon 810 may be included withina compartment 820 of carrying case 800, and may be hidden from view whencompartment 820 is closed. Compartment 820 may be closed using zipper860 or through the use of one or more alternative closure mechanisms.

Instruction icon 810 may depict compartment 820 in various operationalconfigurations. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, instructionicon 810 depicts three different operational configurations. FIG. 8Billustrates an enlarged view of instruction icon 810. As illustrated,each configuration depiction may include a compartment representation830, representation of possible positioning of one or more adjustablecushions 842 and 844, and a size indicator 850.

For example, in the left configuration depiction, a left adjustablecushion representation 842 and a right adjustable cushion representation844 are shown. In the center configuration depiction, only a leftadjustable cushion representation 842 is shown. In the rightconfiguration depiction, no adjustable cushion representations areshown. According to one embodiment, the presence of an adjustablecushion representation in a configuration depiction may indicate that anadjustable cushion can be placed in the side spacing orientation inorder to achieve the depicted configuration. In the illustratedembodiment, size indicators 550 include the numerals 15, 16, and 17,which signify that the depicted configurations may be used with laptopcomputers having diagonal measurements of about 15 inches, about 16inches, and about 17 inches, respectively.

According to various alternative embodiments, size indicators 550 may bemodified to suit the type of carrying case utilized. For example, sizeindicators 550 may be configured to indicate possible configurations forcompartments configured to receive laptops having any range ofdimensions, netbooks of varying sizes, tablet computers, touch screendevices, portable music players, cellular phones, calculators,peripheral devices, and/or other portable electronic devices.Accordingly, size indicators may include numerical indications (e.g.,inches or millimeters), graphical indications (e.g., illustrations ofvarious devices), or a combination thereof. For example, an icon mayinclude an illustration of a generic or brand-specific laptop computer,cellular phone, tablet device, and/or other portable electronic device.

The above description provides numerous specific details for a thoroughunderstanding of the embodiments described herein. However, those ofskill in the art will recognize that one or more of the specific detailsmay be omitted, modified, and/or replaced by a similar process, system,or component. In many instances the order of steps and/or actions of themethods of use described herein may be interchanged with one another.

1. A carrying case for a portable electronic device comprising: aninternal compartment comprising: a front panel; a rear panel opposingand spaced apart from the front panel; a first sidewall and a secondsidewall opposing one another and joined to the front and rear panelsalong corresponding side edges of the front and rear panels; a basepanel joined to each of the front panel, rear panel, first sidewall, andsecond sidewall along a base edge of each of the front panel, rearpanel, first sidewall, and second sidewall; and a first adjustablecushion attached to the compartment at a first attachment region; asecond adjustable cushion attached to the compartment at a secondattachment region; and wherein the first and second adjustable cushionsare configured to move between a first orientation and a secondorientation; and wherein in the first orientation, the first adjustablecushion extends substantially parallel to an interior surface of thefirst sidewall and the second adjustable cushion extends substantiallyparallel to an interior surface of the second sidewall.
 2. The carryingcase of claim 1, wherein the first and second adjustable cushionscomprise substantially compliant structures configured to absorb energyfrom impact so as to protect a portable electronic device.
 3. Thecarrying case of claim 2, wherein the substantially compliant structurescomprise a polymeric foam material.
 4. The carrying case of claim 1,wherein, the first adjustable cushion comprises a first connector andthe compartment comprises a second connector configured to cooperatewith the first connector to selectively retain the first cushion in thefirst orientation; and wherein the second adjustable cushion comprises athird connector and the compartment comprises a fourth connectorconfigured to cooperate with the third connector to selectively retainthe second adjustable cushion in the first orientation.
 5. The carryingcase of claim 1, wherein the first and second adjustable cushions areconfigured to pivot about the first and second attachment regions,respectively.
 6. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the firstattachment region is adjacent the location the first sidewall panel isjoined to the base panel; the second attachment region is adjacent thelocation the second sidewall panel is joined to the base panel; andwherein in the second orientation, the first and second adjustablecushions are adjacent to an interior surface of the base panel andextend substantially parallel thereto.
 7. The carrying case of claim 1,wherein the first attachment region is located at an end of the firstsidewall opposite the base panel; the second attachment region islocated at an end of the second sidewall opposite the base panel; andwherein in the second orientation, at least a portion of the firstadjustable cushion and a portion of the second adjustable cushion areexterior to the compartment.
 8. The carrying case of claim 1, furthercomprising an instruction icon including representative illustrations ofat least three permutations of the first adjustable cushion and thesecond adjustable cushion in the first and second orientations.
 9. Acarrying case for a portable electronic device comprising: an internalcompartment comprising: a front panel; a rear panel opposing and spacedapart from the front panel; a first sidewall and a second sidewallopposing one another and joined to the front and rear panels alongcorresponding side edges of the front and rear panels; a base paneljoined to each of the front panel, rear panel, first sidewall, andsecond sidewall along a base edge of each of the front panel, rearpanel, first sidewall, and second sidewall; and a first adjustablecushion configured to move between a first orientation and a secondorientation and attached to the compartment at a first attachmentregion; a second adjustable cushion configured to move between a firstorientation and a second orientation and attached to the compartment ata second attachment region; and wherein the first adjustable cushionincludes an extension and a notch located on an end opposite the firstattachment region and the second adjustable cushion includes acorresponding extension and a notch located on an end opposite thesecond attachment region; and wherein the extension of each of the firstand second adjustable cushions is aligned with the notch of the otheradjustable cushion, such that in the second orientation the first andsecond cushions are positioned adjacent to an interior surface of thebase panel and extend substantially parallel thereto.
 10. The carryingcase of claim 9, wherein in the first orientation, the first adjustablecushion extends substantially parallel to an interior surface of thefirst sidewall and the second adjustable cushion extends substantiallyparallel to an interior surface of the second sidewall.
 11. The carryingcase of claim 9, wherein the first and second adjustable cushionscomprise substantially compliant structures configured to absorb energyfrom impact so as to protect a portable electronic device.
 12. Thecarrying case of claim 11, wherein the substantially compliantstructures comprise a polymeric foam material.
 13. The carrying case ofclaim 9, wherein, the first adjustable cushion comprises a firstconnector and the compartment comprises a second connector configured tocooperate with the first connector to selectively retain the firstcushion in the first orientation; and wherein the second adjustablecushion comprises a third connector and the compartment comprises afourth connector configured to cooperate with the third connector toselectively retain the second adjustable cushion in the firstorientation.
 14. The carrying case of claim 9, wherein the first andsecond adjustable cushions are configured to pivot about the first andsecond attachment regions, respectively.
 15. The carrying case of claim9, further comprising an instruction icon including representativeillustrations of at least three permutations of the first adjustablecushion and the second adjustable cushion in the first and secondorientations.
 16. A carrying case for a portable electronic devicecomprising: an internal compartment comprising: a front panel; a rearpanel opposing and spaced apart from the front panel; a first sidewalland a second sidewall opposing one another and joined to the front andrear panels along corresponding side edges of the front and rear panels;a base panel joined to each of the front panel, rear panel, firstsidewall, and second sidewall along a base edge of each of the frontpanel, rear panel, first sidewall, and second sidewall; and anadjustable cushion comprising: a base portion configured to extendsubstantially parallel to the base panel; a first side portionconfigured to move between a first orientation and second orientation,wherein in the first orientation the first side portion extendssubstantially parallel to an interior surface of the first sidewall; anda second side portion configured to move between a first orientation andsecond orientation, wherein in the first orientation the second sideportion extends substantially parallel to an interior surface of thesecond sidewall.
 17. The carrying case of claim 16, wherein the firstside portion and the second side portion are attached to the baseportion.
 18. The carrying case of claim 17, wherein the first sideportion and the second side portion are attached to the base portion vialiving hinges.
 19. The carrying case of claim 16, wherein the first sideportion, the second side portion, and the base portion are formed from aunitary piece of material.
 20. The carrying case of claim 16, whereinthe adjustable cushion comprises a substantially compliant structureconfigured to absorb energy from impact so as to protect a portableelectronic device.
 21. The carrying case of claim 20, wherein thesubstantially compliant structure comprises a polymeric foam material.22. The carrying case of claim 20, wherein, the first side portioncomprises a first connector and the compartment comprises a secondconnector configured to cooperate with the first connector toselectively retain the first side portion in the first orientation; andwherein the second side portion comprises a third connector and thecompartment comprises a fourth connector configured to cooperate withthe third connector to selectively retain the second side portion in thefirst orientation.
 23. The carrying case of claim 16, wherein in thesecond orientation, the first side portion and the second side portionare adjacent to an interior surface of the base portion and extendsubstantially parallel thereto.
 24. The carrying case of claim 20,wherein in the second orientation, one of the first side portion and thesecond side portion overlap the other of the first side portion and thesecond side portion.
 25. The carrying case of claim 16, furthercomprising an instruction icon including representative illustrations ofat least three permutations of the first side portion and the secondside portion in the first and second orientations.